India Launches Program Giving Poor Access to Bank Accounts

Prime Minister's Goal Is to Open 75 Million Accounts by January

NEW DELHI—India's premier on Thursday launched an ambitious program to give every household in the country access to bank accounts and other financial services, calling the initiative an important step toward "fulfilling the aspirations of the poor."

"When a person opens a bank account, he joins the economic mainstream of the country," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. "Just as Mahatma Gandhi eliminated untouchability, making all Indians beneficiaries of this program can ensure the elimination of...